Dr. Lvovitch Praises J.D.C. Work in Russia

March 1, 1927

Dr. David Lvovitch, member of the Central Committee of the European Ort, who arrived in America last week after a tour through Russia, expressed complete satisfaction with the progress being made by the Joint Distribution Committee there.

“I knew of the immense good the J.D.C. had accomplished,” Dr. Lvovitch said, “but did not fully realize the proportions until I saw that where only two years ago waste lands existed, men, women and children are reaping a harvest from plowed fields by their own efforts. Houses have been built, artesian wells were sunk. These serve not only the Jewish population, but the common good. Cooperative Credit societies and cooperative shops have been established.

“Much attention is paid to the spiritual and cultural lives of our people. The J.D.C. has built schools, organized libraries and established medical stations. You do not find only the club for the youth but also the ‘minion’ and the ‘shochat.’ The colony Sholem Aleichem in Cherson boasts its own post office.

“The J.D.C. has done much more than send money into Russia. Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Rosen and the chief agronomist Lubarsky, a most efficient organization has been established. The agricultural instructors not only are expert in their work, but their hearts and spirits are in their calling. These men have built in Cherson and in the Crimea a most compact and agricultural settlement. Cherson colony has recently produced over 3,000,000 poods of wheat of such fine quality that it called forth the public approval of the Soviet Government.

“American Jewry is doing wonderful work through the J.D.C. and all Jewry the world over is deeply appreciative.” Dr. Lvovitch declared.